Progression is indeed going smoothly, and the future appears to hold bright prospects.
Kenya's Devolution Journey
Twelve years into the devolution project in Kenya, the nation is witnessing both positive strides and challenges. Modelled after the United States, the devolution system has seen 47 governors take charge, aiming to bring power closer to the people and stimulate economic activities in previously overlooked regions.
Boosting Local Economies
Devolution has enabled counties to invest in infrastructure and local economic projects, such as markets and agro-processing units, boosting employment and economic activities outside major urban centres. This has empowered local communities and fostered a sense of pride among individuals returning to develop their hamlets.
Corruption Concerns
However, criticisms of the devolution system focus on corruption, mismanagement of public funds, and weak accountability mechanisms at the county level. It is alleged that crafty governors can pilfer a billion shillings a year through loopholes in public procurement laws, while the number of politicians who have been caught and punished for misusing funds remains small.
Financial Mismanagement in Health Services
Public financial management in devolved health services reveals issues such as delayed and irregular budget disbursements, lack of facility-level budgeting autonomy, and supply chain failures. These financial bottlenecks compromise service delivery, causing stockouts of essential drugs and pushing patients to private sector expenses.
The State of Counties
Despite these challenges, some counties have stimulated economic activities in areas untouched by colonial infrastructure. However, the high salary costs and corruption have made many counties unsustainable.
The Role of State Lodges
State lodges, configured like rural abodes of colonial governors, have been built and rebuilt by the President and other politicians. These lodges require permanent staff and supplies, but some counties only offer "service" charges and rates being imposed on landowners, not essential services like roads, water, and sewer lines.
The Way Forward
To ensure the effectiveness of devolved governance, stronger oversight, transparent financial management, and accountability enforcement are required. Without reforms to address these systemic weaknesses, devolution risks perpetuating inefficiencies, public mistrust, and undermining Kenya’s broader development goals.
As President William Ruto makes efforts to win over Raila Odinga's turf with more goodies, the nation awaits the return of ousted DP Rigathi Gachagua next week amid arrest claims. Meanwhile, urban professionals have moved to rural-based colleges, but the model proved unviable, and those colleges are now folding. Counties have turned into employment bureaus, with work plentiful in the counties. Yet, when politicians are arrested, they often hire crowds to protest their innocence and retain lawyers, with prosecutions often stalling, which erodes public trust.
In conclusion, while devolution holds promise for equitable development and empowerment, addressing corruption, mismanagement of public funds, and weak accountability mechanisms is crucial to ensure public funds are effectively utilized to support economic activities and public services.
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